Audi goes Nautical in Landlocked Switzerland

Audi is showing the production version of its staggeringly-powerful Q7 V12 TDI SUV at this month’s Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. The V12 diesel develops 500 horsepower and 1000Nm of peak torque and will also be featured in the Q7 coastline decked out internally in a nautical theme.

The 6.0-litre V12 TDI has two turbo chargers to help it deliver its mammoth torque peak at 1750rpm. It has a modified version of the piezo common rail fuel injection system, which boosts pressure in the injectors to 2000 bar. The injection technology, in combination with a specially developed exhaust gas recirculation system and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), ensures the unit already meets proposed EU5 targets for emissions applicable from 2010. The diesel SUV will hit 100kph in 5.5 seconds and the car has a top speed electronically limited to 250kph. Audi quotes overall fuel economy of 23.7mpg.

The car has a quattro four-wheel-drive system with 40/60 front-to-rear torque split, and a beefed-up six-speed Tiptronic transmission, and standard adaptive air suspension. The Q7 diesel has standard ceramic brakes.

Designed with the opulence of a classic luxury yacht in mind, the Q7 coastline design study (pictured) is finished externally in Inuit, a special ultra-luminous shade of white, which is set off by the single frame grille and side air intakes in dark high gloss steel. White also prevails inside, where an alabaster shade used extensively in yachting colours the majority of switches and controls, the instrument panel and cowl, the plush velvet and leather-upholstered seats and the carpet.

For maximum impact the floor mats, pillars, roof lining, steering wheel and seatbelts are also colour matched in alabaster white. The maritime theme is especially obvious in the dark waxed American walnut veneer which covers parts of the armrest, the inner door sill trims, the gear knob and, most prominently, the floor of the luggage compartment, giving it a deck-style look. Unique to the Q7 coastline, two neat expandable storage boxes are also incorporated in this floor.